GIFT GIVING in Persia. The following articles constitute a preliminary attempt at studying various aspects of gift giving in a chronological and historical framework, from the pre-Islamic era to the early modern period. An anthropological approach, dealing with the practice of gift exchange in local communities, tribal clans, villages, extended families, neighborhoods, and urban quarters needs a separate and more detailed treatment. Since the meaning and the function of gift exchange and its practice in pre-modern societies need clarification, this entry will begin with some introductory remarks on the subject.
(Multiple Authors)
Originally Published: December 15, 2016
Last Updated: April 10, 2012